The Fine Gael ticket for the Ballina area in May's local elections has been increased by two, following a decision of party headquarters. Ballina Town Councillor, Mark Winters and Mayo County Councillor Joe Mellett have been added to the party's list of candidates for the election.

Messages of congratulations have been pouring in to Westport solicitor Patrick Durcan this week following his nomination by Castlebar Taoiseach Enda Kenny as a district court judge. The former Fine Gael Senator, Mayo County Councillor and party activist who runs a practice in James Street, Westport, was appointed a district judge by announcement of the Taoiseach’s department on Tuesday evening last.

Messages of congratulations have been pouring in to Westport solicitor Patrick Durcan this week following his nomination by Castlebar Taoiseach Enda Kenny as a district court judge. The former Fine Gael Senator, Mayo County Councillor and party activist who runs a practice in James Street, Westport, was appointed a district judge by announcement of the Taoiseach’s department on Tuesday evening last.

With Mayo County Councillor, Michael Kilcoyne finally making his mind up to enter the race for the 31st Dáil this week the major parties were given another headache as they prepare for the election on February 25. Kilcoyne wasn’t the only independent to put his name in the hat this week with Ballina pair Martin Daly and Loretta Clarke joining what is fast becoming a congested field of candidates.

A Fianna Fail Mayo County Councillor who risked the lives of other motorists by driving dangerously on a twisted treacherous stretch of road has been fined a total of €800 and disqualified from driving.